Keeping an Eye on the Kids

Let’s say you see something you don’t agree with, a child being left alone on a playground or being punished too harshly for a small mistake.

What would you do?

ABC has a popular program with just that title — "What Would You Do?" It shows the reactions people have in everyday situations, and whether they would stand up for something that was not right. Then, John Quinones jumps out from behind a bush and asks people why they acted the way they did.

With the warm weather, I have been taking the boys I nanny out and about more. There is something I see every summer. Men and women drop off their children on the playground and make a quick exit stage left, take a seat and pop open a magazine or chat on their phones.

These are not kids that should be playing alone on a playground either.

As a mom and nanny, I never leave the kids. Ever.

Sure, I have taken a phone call or sent off a text but I make sure that the kids are my priority. So, it irritates me when I suddenly have to keep an eye on a few extra little people. All too often an older kid will plow over the wobbly bridge, leaving a wake of little ones with tears without even looking back.

Yesterday, I took my charges and son to the fountain area at Bayshore Mall. Twice I saw a mom gently guide her kids to the water, then walk away and find a seat off on the side. Sure, the kids had a good time — but, what if something happened? The fountain base is natural stone and gets slick with all of the water. The chairs are far enough away that the mom would not be completely aware. Should I have said something?

When it is your place to say something? Is there ever an appropriate time? When it comes to the safety of a child, I will not hold back. I am not too shy to go up to someone and say "Hey your kid was just dangling from the fire pole. You might want to keep an eye on him or her."

You are the parent, or, in some cases you have been chosen by the parents, to keep these little humans safe — so, do your job!

There is a website called “I Saw Your Nanny” and it is a place where people can submit photos and sightings about bad nannies. Having been in the occupation for almost nine years, I know there are some bad ones out there.

But, what if the primary care provider is the child’s mother. Why does it make it okay for moms to do something nannies get slammed for?

Perhaps I am just being a nervous nelly, but I am fine with that. I would rather have all 30 fingers and toes intact when my bosses return home from work.